There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges. In this week’s School Spotlight, we check out the spirited and down-to-earth University of Iowa, where 24,500 undergraduates find a warm and welcoming community that’s bursting with academic, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities. The University features 24 varsity teams that compete in the Big Ten conference. Wrestling is a particular standout, with 23 national championships earned since 1975. First year students are divided into one of six colleges, with the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering being the most popular. Interested in pursuing a writing career? Not only does the University sponsor the world-renowned Iowa Writer’s Workshop, they also provide undergraduates the opportunity develop serious writing skills though courses such as The Art & Craft of Humor Writing, Creative Writing & Popular Culture, and Introduction to Literary Publishing. First year students looking for a supportive, tight-knit environment may want to consider joining one of Iowa’s residential communities. There are 19 options in all, including Women in Science & Engineering, First Generation, and Justice for All, each of which combines elements of residential life with academic coursework. Good to know: students who join the honors program have access to intimate honors-level classes, an honors residence hall, an honors student center, and special scholarships and funding opportunities.

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges. As such, we are highlighting a new college each week in our School Spotlight series. Check out the college below, along with the other posts in our series, and you may just stumble upon your dream school!

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The Insider: College Admissions Advice from the Experts is where College Coach experts weigh in on the latest college admissions topics. We cover everything from application timelines and strategies to tips on financing your child's education.